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13,697 ft · San Juan Mountains, Colorado
Rolling Mtn
Rolling Mtn is a 13,697 ft peak in the San Juan Mountains, Colorado. The standard route is the Rolling Mtn - via Rico-Silverton Trail: 7 mi, 3,050 ft of gain, Class 2.

Rolling Mtn at a glance
- Elevation13,697 ft4,174 m
- RouteRolling Mtn - via Rico-Silverton TrailClass 2
- Distance7 mi3,050 ft gain
- Time5 – 7 hrsHard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeSan Juan MountainsColorado
Climbing the Rolling Mtn - via Rico-Silverton Trail
Rolling Mtn sits in the San Juan Mountains. The usual ascent is Rolling Mtn - via Rico-Silverton Trail, rated Class 2. Plan about 7 miles round-trip with roughly 3,050 ft of gain from about 10,700 ft. Expect a rough 4WD approach road. Summer monsoon storms build fast, so start early and be off the summit by early afternoon. Watch for loose rock, route-finding on talus, and brief exposed steps where the terrain steepens. Stats and approach details follow climb13ers.com. Bring layers for cold wind on the summit ridge.
Gear and hazards
What to bring
Backpack (25–35 L)
Hiking Boots
Water
Offline Maps
Headlamp
Satellite Communicator
Whistle
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Sun Hat
Midlayer
Insulated Jacket
Hardshell Jacket
Warm Hat
Buff
Midweight Gloves
Trekking Poles
GPS Device
Power Bank
Water Filter
First-Aid Kit
Emergency Bivy
What to watch for
- Storms
- High altitude
- Route-finding difficulty
Quests with Rolling Mtn
Peaks near Rolling Mtn
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Rolling Mtn?
Rolling Mtn is 13,697 feet (4,174 m) tall. It is in the San Juan Mountains, Colorado.
How does Rolling Mtn rank among the Colorado 13ers?
At 13,697 feet, Rolling Mtn is the 97th highest of the 582 Colorado 13ers. The highest is Grizzly Peak.
How hard is it to hike Rolling Mtn?
The Rolling Mtn - via Rico-Silverton Trail is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 7 miles with 3,050 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to hike Rolling Mtn?
Most people take 5 – 7 hours round trip on the Rolling Mtn - via Rico-Silverton Trail, covering 7 miles with 3,050 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.
Can a beginner hike Rolling Mtn?
The Rolling Mtn - via Rico-Silverton Trail needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 7 miles with 3,050 feet of elevation gain. Build up on shorter hikes first, start early and carry plenty of water and layers.
Will you get altitude sickness on Rolling Mtn?
You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Rolling Mtn reaches 13,697 feet. Spend a night or two at elevation first, drink plenty of water and turn back if a headache, nausea or dizziness gets worse.
What time should you start hiking Rolling Mtn?
Early. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, so aim to be off the summit and the exposed upper mountain by early afternoon.
When is the best time to hike Rolling Mtn?
The usual hiking window is July to September. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.
Climb Rolling Mtn with Yak
Plan your route on a topo map, check the summit forecast, then log your climb and see what is left on your list



